New tractor options, features enhance productivity

Volvo highlighted two Volvo VNs equipped to meet the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay program for tractors at the Great American Truck Show in Dallas, August 23-25.

A Volvo VN 780 with a full-height sleeper and a VN 730 mid-roof sleeper demonstrated aerodynamics and other fuel-saving strategies used to achieve EPA's Certified SmartWay designation for highway sleeper tractors.

Volvo customers are able to specify a SmartWay-eligible tractor component package when ordering their trucks. The required components are identified in Volvo's truck ordering system so that carriers participating in the SmartWay program can ensure their new trucks qualify for EPA's public designation.

One of the SmartWay requirements is for full-height roof fairings for smooth and efficient airflow over the top of the sleeper to the trailer. The VN 780's aerodynamic roof design accomplishes this while at the same time providing a huge living space in the sleeper.

The mid-roof VN 730 meets the SmartWay requirement with Volvo's new fairing for mid-roof tractors. The fairing provides very aerodynamic performance for pulling full-height trailers, while retaining the lighter weight of a mid-roof tractor. The new fairing is also available for the Volvo VT 830. The fairing is removable and can be retrofitted to existing VN 730 and VT 830 tractors.

Volvo also displayed a factory-installed tire pressure monitoring system. The tire pressure monitoring system will be available as an option for all Volvo highway tractors beginning in the fourth quarter of 2007. The system constantly monitors each wheel using remote sensors and displays real-time tire pressures and temperatures through Volvo's driver information display.

Volvo recently changed from incandescent bulbs to LED (light-emitting diodes) on all Volvo VN, VT, and VHD tractors and trucks for marker lamps and side turn signal repeater lamps. LEDs are now standard for these lamps on all Volvo trucks. The LED marker lamps are used in all external sunvisors, as well as the hood air intakes and bumpers of Volvo VT tractors, and have a clear lens with amber LEDs. The side repeaters are mounted on the side of the cab to alert other drivers alongside the truck to an active turn signal. The repeaters have black bezels, clear lenses, and amber LEDs.

Increased visibility to other drivers is provided by mirrors with integrated high-intensity LED turn signals. The mirror displays a flashing red arrow at the bottom of the mirror surface when the turn signal is activated by the driver.